There’s something about being immersed in nature that helps us develop a calm and positive attitude about the world. That’s how I feel when I visit Sonoma’s Farmhouse Inn. Located in the Russian River Valley, this beautiful oasis offers many things I love: lush wine-country foliage, fine food, a beautifully-equipped spa and the opportunity to shed a few layers of stress.
Plunging into Wellness
For me, actively seeking wellness during travel helps to restore a sense of balance, health and harmony.
With its Wellness Barn, Farmhouse Inn takes the spa concept to another level. There are the classic offerings, including massages, special baths, private yoga classes and facials, but the execution is exceptional.
In addition, there’s something about being surrounded by big, beautiful trees, fragrant herbs and flowers that makes these activities even more alluring. Don’t let the “barn” part fool you, this is the place to go for maximum unwind.
The Wellness Barn is light, bright and tranquil. I was treated to their 90-minute Luminous facial that made me feel like a Queen and left my skin healthy and glowing.
A CBD extract addition helped to instill a sense of calmness and tranquility during and for hours after the treatment. It included a massage of my face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands, multiple herbal hot towel treatments lavishly pampering by themselves, and a complete application of SPF to all treated areas so that I could go right to the pool for additional R&R with built-in sun protection!
Afterward, the artisan meatballs with bechamel and organic tomato sauce served poolside were magnificent and so satisfying.
In addition to spa treatments, there are a wide range of local activities to enjoy at Farmhouse Inn, including short hikes behind the inn, and the opportunity to stroll through Riverfront Regional Park, which is only a short drive away. There is also bike riding, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and other activities.
Taking Wellness Back to the Room
Wellness doesn’t stop at the spa doors or the end of an enjoyable hike; it’s an ongoing process that I brought back to my suite.
At 850-square feet, my Barn One-Bedroom Suite is an ideal location to stretch out the body and spirit. The suite has a sitting room, large soaking tub and steam shower and is wonderfully private.
The indoor-outdoor fireplace was a lovely addition to our beautiful room. The steam shower was an incredible way to start the morning, and I loved the complimentary artisan soaps, gels and sugar scrubs.
All the inn’s rooms are unique, including cottages, for even more privacy.
I opted to NOT exercise during my time there (also active wellness, choosing to let my body rest) but our suite featured a custom Farmhouse Inn yoga mat that could be used on the patio, surrounded by nature.
Dinner is Served
The Farmhouse Restaurant features locally-produced food to create unique, seasonal menus that capture both the spirit of the inn and the surrounding valley.
My 8-course dinner at Farmhouse expertly crafted by Chef Craig Wilmer was a marathon! I chose the paired sake and wine pairing, with a splash of several dinner libations, specifically designed to complement each dish.
The sommelier was exquisitely knowledgeable about each bottle poured, the servers were friendly and attentive, answering questions about each dish, adding to the warm ambiance. I did not leave feeling too full – instead, fulfilled and enriched with new knowledge and culinary experience. The evening ended with a special menu to take home as a memento complete with gold-pressed Farmhouse logo!
Farmhouse Inn Exceeded Expectations
A wine country gem, the Inn is ALL about relaxation, wellness and nature. Fresh herbs grow on property and are thoughtfully integrated into spa treatments, cocktails, cuisine and decorative table arrangements. Calming waterfalls along the walkways and the quiet humming of honeybees collecting nectar rounded out my serene stay.
Getaways like this provide the rest and pampering you never seem to get during the daily grind. Taking a break, treating yourself to a luxurious facial (like I did!), and sleeping in a little rejuvenates mind and body. We all work hard at our jobs and taking care of our families. The Farmhouse Inn offers a sublime opportunity to break from these routines and…simply be.